Morag, the Kelp Collector

The By Ewe stitchers came together from around Gairloch and Ullapool with the task of bringing to life a female figure collecting kelp, one of the area's historical industries. The stitchers didn't just stitch the panel, they gave their kelp collector a life based on their own experience.

This is their story.

Kelp was a major industry in Scotland particularly in the 18th Century which required a large workforce to harvest seaweed and process this into kelp. Tens of thousands of people from Orkney, the West Coast and the Outer Hebrides were employed in this important industry. The story of kelp collecting is one of harsh conditions and heavy loads. Morag carries her basket inscribed with the words Gruinard Bay.

Gruinard Bay was a traditional area to gather seaweed, a valuable resource for coastal living. Brown seaweeds are a good fertiliser as they have high levels of potassium and nitrogen. Plants brought in by winter storms were dug directly into the soil after only a short period of composting. Oats, wheat, barley, potatoes and brassica were then planted. Crofters in the Western Isles still use seaweeds in this way, although processed seaweed-based fertilisers are also available.

Morag is full of texture. Using different stitching techniques we were able to bring her clothes and basket to life, building up 3D elements and stitching intricate details which tell the story of our area like flora and fauna, local wildlife and sites.